The Department of Tourism has opened the 10th application window for the Green Tourism Incentive Programme (GTIP), which runs from 2 September 2024 to 28 February 2025. This initiative, developed in partnership with the Industrial Development Corporation (IDC), is designed to support privately-owned tourism businesses by improving their energy and water efficiency.

What is the GTIP?

The GTIP helps tourism enterprises adopt sustainable practices by offering partial grant funding for retrofitting facilities with green technologies. The programme is focused on reducing operational costs, making businesses more sustainable and competitive. It aligns with responsible tourism principles and assists enterprises in reducing their energy and water consumption, contributing to a greener tourism sector.

How Does It Work?

The GTIP operates through a two-phase process:

1. Phase 1: Resource Efficiency Audit – Tourism businesses undergo a fully-funded audit which identifies potential energy and water efficiency measures. The audit will be performed by an allocated assessor once the eligibility of the applicant is determined.

2. Phase 2: Implementation of Solutions – Eligible businesses can apply for grant funding of between 50% and 90% of the cost to install the recommended solutions, capped at R1 million per applicant.

Success Stories

Tourism enterprises that have benefited from the GTIP report significant cost savings:

• Mokgaetji Flora Phala of Mminanoko Eco Guesthouse in Limpopo saved R1 500 to R2 000 per month on electricity after implementing energy solutions.

• Gugulethu Nogaya of Imvomvo Country Lodge in the Eastern Cape reduced diesel costs from R60 000 to under R5 000 during power outages.

How to Apply

Eligible tourism businesses can visit www.tourism.gov.za or www.idc.co.za to review the application process and criteria. Accountants should advise their tourism clients about this opportunity to improve sustainability and reduce operational costs through the GTIP.

For more information download the information brochure for the programme here.